Cap protector

Abstract

A cap protector for protecting a cap on a container includes a plurality of axial fins extending from a common point. Each axial fin includes a body extending between an inner edge and an outer edge, and a cap-engaging lip defined on the inner edge that is configured to selectively engage a cap of a container. The plurality of axial fins may be movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the cap-engaging lip of each of the plurality of axial fins engages the cap of a container.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A cap protector for protecting a cap on a container, comprising:
 a plurality of axial fins extending from a common point, each axial fin comprising:
 a rigid body extending between an inner edge and an outer edge; and 
 a cap-engaging lip of the rigid body, the cap-engaging lip being defined on the inner edge and being configured to selectively engage the cap of the container, 
 wherein the rigid body has a radial width extending between the inner edge and the outer edge that is substantially greater than a thickness of the rigid body, 
 wherein the plurality of axial fins includes a first axial fin having a removal assembly configured for removing a removable portion of the first axial fin. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the cap-engaging lip of the first axial fin is disengaged from the cap when the removable portion is removed. 
     
     
       3. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the removable portion is at least partially defined by a detachment line extending substantially transversely across the first axial fin, the detachment line being defined by a score, notch, cut, perforation, bend, tear, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
       4. The cap protector of  claim 3 , wherein the removable portion is partially defined by a second detachment line extending substantially transversely across the first axial fin. 
     
     
       5. The cap protector of  claim 4 , further comprising a tab portion extending from the removable portion in between the detachment line and the second detachment line. 
     
     
       6. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of axial fins further comprises second, third, and fourth axial fins, that, along with the first axial fin, are spaced substantially circumferentially equidistant from one another. 
     
     
       7. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the outer edges of the plurality of axial fins are collectively dome-shaped when the cap protector is received on the cap. 
     
     
       8. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the inner and outer edges of each axial fin curve downwardly from the common point toward a bottom tip. 
     
     
       9. The cap protector of  claim 1 , wherein the cap-engaging lip is configured to engage a shoulder of the cap. 
     
     
       10. A cap protector for protecting a cap on a container, comprising:
 a plurality of axial fins extending from a common point, each axial fin comprising:
 a rigid body extending between an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein the rigid body has a radial width extending between the inner edge and the outer edge that is substantially greater than a thickness of the rigid body; and 
 a cap-engaging lip of the rigid body, the cap-engaging lip being defined on the inner edge; 
 
 wherein the plurality of axial fins are movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the cap-engaging lip of each of the plurality of axial fins engages the cap of the container, 
 wherein the plurality of axial fins includes a first axial fin having a removal assembly configured for removing a removable portion of the first axial fin. 
 
     
     
       11. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the removable portion includes a tab portion extending from the removable portion in between a first detachment line and a second detachment line, both the first detachment line and the second detachment line extending substantially transversely across the first axial fin. 
     
     
       12. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of axial fins further comprises second, third, and fourth axial fins that, along with the first axial fin, are spaced substantially circumferentially equidistant from one another. 
     
     
       13. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the outer edges of the plurality of axial fins are collectively dome-shaped when the cap protector is in the engaged position. 
     
     
       14. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the inner and outer edges of each axial fin curve downwardly from the center point toward a bottom tip. 
     
     
       15. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the cap-engaging lip is configured to engage a shoulder of the cap in the engaged position. 
     
     
       16. The cap protector of  claim 10 , wherein the cap-engaging lip of the first axial fin is disengaged from the cap when the removable portion is removed.